Data privacy

As the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau weighs rules on protecting customer information shared between banks and third parties, it should consider giving consumers full authority over their financial data and committing to direct oversight of everyone involved, including data aggregators and fintechs.

Less than half of consumers believe financial services providers adequately protect their personal information, according to an Arizent survey. Banks such as Wells Fargo and Bank of Idaho are offering mobile tools and cybersecurity education that could help rebuild trust.

As it attempts to craft policy on access to consumers’ financial account information, the agency is wading into a battle between those who want data to flow more freely and those who prioritize security.

Despite tougher privacy regulations, further safeguards are needed that require consumers' clear consent before personal information is exchanged.